Industry members are honoring John R. Carlson, in accordance with family wishes, with memorial contributions to the Natural Products Foundation (NPF).

John R. Carlson, one of the natural health industry’s national leaders, co-founded J.R. Carlson Laboratories with his wife Susan in 1965. Mr. Carlson was an advocate for natural products for nearly five decades.

“NPF is honored that John’s family has chosen our organization to commemorate their father’s pioneering work in the field. More than $15,000 has been donated from companies and individuals across the industry since John’s death on October 1. All memorial contributions support programs to improve the integrity of natural products, as John did himself throughout his lifetime,” said Derek Hall, NPF Chairman.

Dedicated to the natural supplement industry, Mr. Carlson was an active member of many industry organizations, including the Natural Products Association. The industry recognized his service on many occasions, including with the NPA Crusader Award in 2001. John was also an active member of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, The National Institute of Nutritional Education, The Mid American Health Organization and a founding member of the health activists group “Citizens for Health”. In 2009, John received the prestigious Nutrition Business Journal Summit Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing him as a pioneer that helped build the natural products industry. In addition to his vast contributions to the natural industry, Mr. Carlson will also be remembered for his warmth, kindness, generosity, and integrity.

“John Carlson helped to shape and improve the natural supplement industry throughout his lifetime,” said NPF President John Gay, NPA executive director and CEO. “The Carlson family’s dedication to natural health and education is legendary. Dietary supplement quality, safety, consumer use and awareness would not be where they are today without the efforts of companies like Carlson Laboratories, and the Carlson family.”